ABSTRACT
Aim: Sleep disorders are common among children and have a
negative impact on growth and development. Recently reports demonstrate
a possible association with oral findings as well. The aim of this study
was to evaluate the possible association between sleeping habits,
bruxism, temporomandibular disorders (TMD), traumatic dental injuries
(TDI) and dental caries in children.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out at IAU Faculty
of Dentistry with a representative sample of a hundred children aged
between 6-13. Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) was completed
by their parents. Intra oral examination was carried out in a clinical
setting and presence of nocturnal bruxism, history of TDI were recorded
for each child.
Results: Among sleeping habits, bed time resistance was found
significantly related with children who had nocturnal bruxism and
temporomandibular disorders. Untreated dental caries was also found
significantly associated with sleep fragmentation. However, no relation
was found with traumatic dental injuries.
Conclusion: Children with symptoms of bruxism, TMD and
untreated dental caries might experience negative impacts on their
sleeping habits and characteristics. Pediatricians and pedodontists
should work in collaboration to identify causes and clinical features of
sleeping habits and disorders in order to avoid negative effects on
stomatognathic system.
Keywords: Sleeping habits, Sleep disorders, Children’s Sleep
Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ), bruxism, temporomandibular disorders,
malocclusion, traumatic dental injuries, dental caries, children